BitTorrent is a file sharing system used to distribute files from person to person on the internet. It has a bad name because it's used to share pirated movies and TV shows, but there's plenty of legal content to find using BitTorrent.

One of the best ways to protect your privacy online is to use a virtual private network (VPN). We tested 12 of the most popular VPN services to see how they compare for ease of use, performance and features.

The new 14.7 million-pixel iMac packs four times as many pixels on its 27-inch screen as the standard iMac. You only have to look at the 5K iMac to want it. But the question must be asked: do you actually need it?

Want to know where you stand when it comes to a gift that doesn't do what it says on the box? Wondering if that too-good-to-be-true offer is a Christmas scam? These tips and tricks could help you shop smart during the silly season.

We've reviewed five international postal services to send your Christmas parcels, and compared them for cost, ease of booking and delivery time.

]]>Shopping and legalMon, 10 Nov 2014 12:55:00 GMT11 scams and how to avoid them
http://www.choice.com.au/reviews-and-tests/computers-and-online/networking-and-internet/internet/11-scams-and-how-to-avoid-them.aspx

Online dating scams, bogus tech support phone calls and internet schemes that take advantage of people's goodwill continue to find new victims.

Restricted health funds are open to former and current employees and their families working in many industries from defence, forestry, electricity, transport and steel workers to bank, health and education workers.

Tablets, powders and gels tested: which one comes out on top? CHOICE tests over 40 dishwasher detergents - from the market-leading Finish tablets to the lower-cost Home Brand - and shows which one removes the most stains.

A large freestanding oven is a huge investment. With so many options out there how do you make the right choice? We tested seven 90 cm wide electric ovens from brands including Smeg, Westinghouse, and Fisher & Paykel.

Tricky packaging and labelling are a big part of how businesses sell products these days. Unit pricing is supposed to help you look past the marketing to compare prices and find the best value for money.

A washer and dryer machine is the ultimate laundry convenience — we've put some to the test.

]]>Laundry and cleaningThu, 03 Jul 2014 17:20:00 GMTDiscount diva: how to live it up for less
http://www.choice.com.au/reviews-and-tests/money/shopping-and-legal/shopping/discount-diva-how-to-live-it-up-for-less.aspx

Want to save money while still enjoying the finer things in life? CHOICE journalist Zoya Sheftalovich is a discount queen for a week.

The right breakfast can mean the difference between a good start to a day or a sluggish one – but finding a quick and simple option among the breakfast biscuits and other breakfast-on-the-go products can be tricky.

A contract is a legally enforceable agreement. If it's a standard form contract you are expected to sign or click I AGREE. But if one of the terms are unfair, you might have a right to have the term declared void.

We've all got stuff we no longer want, need or use taking up space around the house. So how do you get the most of your useless junk?

]]>Shopping and legalWed, 04 Jun 2014 10:24:00 GMTBoard games in the modern age
http://www.choice.com.au/reviews-and-tests/entertainment/Visual/video-games/back-to-the-tabletop.aspx

Remember Snakes and ladders? How about Monopoly? These and other board games such as Settlers of Catan are enjoying a massive resurgence, as video-game fans and new players are turning towards the tabletop. We find out why.

Protein supplements (mainly in the form of drink powders and bars) are marketed for weight loss, muscle mass building and post-exercise recovery, targeting dieters, elderly people and athletes. They may be helpful sometimes, but whether they're necessary is debatable.

CHOICE has found The Body Shop products on sale in airports in China, where under Chinese law products can be pulled off the shelves for safety testing at any time, which can include testing on animals.

Australia's love affair with takeaway is adding more salt, sugar and saturated fat to our diet. CHOICE looks at how you can keep trim without sacrificing the convenience of a Chinese, Thai or Indian takeaway.

Christmas is a once-a-year opportunity to scam consumers out of their money. Scams cost Australians $93m last year, plenty of which targeted holiday shoppers. We take a look at some of the worst offenders.

Around the globe, governments and communities are grappling with the social, financial and health costs of overweight and obese populations. Is restricting junk food advertising to kids part of the solution?

It’s not easy to find out exactly what’s in that household multipurpose cleaner, and if it’s safe, as manufacturers aren’t required to include ingredients on the label and many chemicals permitted for use in Australia have never been tested.

It’s more important than ever to know how much you’re paying for life insurance and what you'll get in return. We look at term life insurance policies from 15 insurers and 10 large industry super funds.

The tool of choice for tattoo removal these days is a laser - a technology which can and has caused burns and permanent scars on tattoo removal patients. But that doesn't mean you're required to have any medical training to use one.

There are several types of medication available over-the-counter or by prescription for the treatment of symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, congestion, itchy throat and burning eyes. Which work best?

Knock-off products are no longer easily identified by misspelled logos and shoddy craftsmanship. While the quality of counterfeit products appears to be improving, the counterfeiters are also getting smarter at marketing their products.

For consumers, franchises can be a dependable port of call in a crowded marketplace. But many Australians have paid dearly for signing on the dotted line to run their own franchise outlet, generally because they were led to believe one thing but working for a franchisor turned out to be another.

We test more than 20 bathroom cleaners that claim to remove soap scum, and compare them to four popular bleach-based cleaners and two green options, as well as the alternative bicarb and vinegar method.

Costs for vet service can vary widely, and it doesn't help that there are no standard fee guidelines. Most vets no doubt deserve your trust, but with corporate vet franchises on the rise, upselling and overcharging are legitimate consumer concerns.

Over the past few years, bonus rates on online savings accounts have been as good or better than the highest rates on term deposit accounts. New regulations will see the pendulum swing back towards term deposits.

Two CHOICE staffers and pet owners test the Schticky, Sticky Buddy and other silicone rollers.

]]>Laundry and cleaningTue, 02 Jul 2013 15:33:00 GMTBreville the All in One first look
http://www.choice.com.au/reviews-and-tests/household/kitchen/benchtop-appliances/breville-the-all-in-one-first-look.aspx

CHOICE's home economist tested the multi-function Breville All in One appliance for performance and ease of use.

Tapping into consumers’ increasing demand for meals on the go, liquid breakfasts are a growing category in the shopping aisles. These drinks quick and convenient, but we look at whether their health claims stack up.

The Australian Standard for car child restraints has been updated to allow for the use of a variation of the international child restraint system called Isofix, in conjunction with Australia's top tether system

Information gleaned by cookies is valuable to marketers and advertisers, but you may not realise just how much can be pieced together about you.

]]>Networking and internetWed, 22 May 2013 16:29:00 GMTLaser and IPL hair removal: are they safe?
http://www.choice.com.au/reviews-and-tests/food-and-health/beauty-and-personal-care/hair-removal/laser-hair-removal.aspx

A lack of regulation has led to a rise in untrained laser and IPL operators.

]]>Beauty and personal careMon, 20 May 2013 17:03:00 GMTShopping around for a new energy deal
http://www.choice.com.au/reviews-and-tests/household/energy-and-water/saving-energy/shopping-for-a-new-electricity-plan.aspx

Are you paying too much for your energy? If you haven't reviewed your energy plan recently, chances are you're paying too much.

Google Wallet, Apple Passbook and Windows Phone 8 Wallet e-wallet apps on your smartphone can be used to make payments and store your details for loyalty cards, movie tickets and even some travel documents.

We'd like to thank the 3101 people who signed on to ask the ACCC to reject the Australian Egg Corporation's certification trade mark that would allow a 13-fold increase on the current free-range outdoor stocking density maximum.

CHOICE has been calling for an overhaul of the financial services industry for more than 20 years. The federal government's Future of Financial Advice(FOFA) reforms will hopefully resolve some of the issues.

Most airlines do everything they can to limit their liability for any losses you encounter as a result of delays or cancellations. In some cases we think their terms and conditions wouldn’t hold up if challenged.

To help decide which tests are worth taking, it's helpful to understand the criteria the public health system uses to assess possible screening tests. Many tests detect diseases before your symptoms occur.

CHOICE compared more than 190 brands and flavours of pizza available nationally from supermarkets (chilled or frozen) or from takeaway chains. We found some big differences in nutritional value – and in value for money.

The regulator claimed that Westpac breached the The Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001 by sending unsolicited debit cards to consumers, but the Federal Court has taken a different view.

It’s time once again for the annual CHOICE Shonky Awards, where we reward manufacturers, service providers, government officials and marketers for their usual treasure trove of consumer-related Shonkyness.